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Queen City Justice #1
Truth & Lies
Only lies could save her…
After a childhood where she had to lie to survive, Dana Yenichek is a master of deception. It makes her a brilliant FBI Agent…but lousy at personal relationships. Now, the case of her career has her hunting a brutal serial killer whose murderous trail leads to an international mail-order bride service. Dana–determined to catch the killer before he strikes again–jumps at the opportunity to go undercover, only to find herself as a mail-order bride on the doorstep of Deck Murphy.
He can handle anything, except another lie.
Deck, a Cincinnati cop and Marine Reservist with an inviolable code of honesty, struggles to return to work after being seriously injured in Afghanistan. When an escaped human trafficking victim leads him to a mail-order bride service, he signs up to investigate, never expecting his application to be legitimately processed. Then a foreign mail-order bride unexpectedly shows up at his door and his honor requires that he keep her safe. Unable to tell Deck the truth, however, Dana’s web of deceit draws too tight, until she finds herself alone and vulnerable …and in the sights of the killer who’s decided she is his next, perfect victim.
When Dana goes missing, Deck teams up with the FBI to find her, but is faced with the harshest of realities: after all their deceptions, he and Dana might both be sacrificed to their own TRUTH AND LIES.
After a childhood where she had to lie to survive, Dana Yenichek is a master of deception. It makes her a brilliant FBI Agent…but lousy at personal relationships. Now, the case of her career has her hunting a brutal serial killer whose murderous trail leads to an international mail-order bride service. Dana–determined to catch the killer before he strikes again–jumps at the opportunity to go undercover, only to find herself as a mail-order bride on the doorstep of Deck Murphy.
He can handle anything, except another lie.
Deck, a Cincinnati cop and Marine Reservist with an inviolable code of honesty, struggles to return to work after being seriously injured in Afghanistan. When an escaped human trafficking victim leads him to a mail-order bride service, he signs up to investigate, never expecting his application to be legitimately processed. Then a foreign mail-order bride unexpectedly shows up at his door and his honor requires that he keep her safe. Unable to tell Deck the truth, however, Dana’s web of deceit draws too tight, until she finds herself alone and vulnerable …and in the sights of the killer who’s decided she is his next, perfect victim.
When Dana goes missing, Deck teams up with the FBI to find her, but is faced with the harshest of realities: after all their deceptions, he and Dana might both be sacrificed to their own TRUTH AND LIES.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2016
11 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Bemis
19 books28 followersElizabeth Bemis is a six-time Golden Heart® Finalist and 2012 Winner. Her first book, Love & Oreos was named a “Must Read” book of 2015 by USA Today, who said,
“Elizabeth Bemis makes her sassy, sexy, confetti-worthy debut with Love & Oreos, the first book in her Sudden Falls contemporary series. Bemis’ voice is humorous and sly, her characters realistically complicated, her storytelling engaging and silky smooth… The heart, heat, snark and energy in Love & Oreos make Bemis’ inaugural release a bright and buoyant win.”
When she’s not writing romance, she operates Bemis Promotions, an advertising agency for authors, fights for control of her house with her sons and various fur-bearing creatures. When she’s not in front of her computer she can occasionally be found running with her dog, training for the Little Miami Triathlon and the Flying Pig (half) Marathon.
You can find more about Elizabeth and her books at her website, elizabethbemis.com or you can like her on Facebook, follow her on twitter, or sign up for her newsletter.
“Elizabeth Bemis makes her sassy, sexy, confetti-worthy debut with Love & Oreos, the first book in her Sudden Falls contemporary series. Bemis’ voice is humorous and sly, her characters realistically complicated, her storytelling engaging and silky smooth… The heart, heat, snark and energy in Love & Oreos make Bemis’ inaugural release a bright and buoyant win.”
When she’s not writing romance, she operates Bemis Promotions, an advertising agency for authors, fights for control of her house with her sons and various fur-bearing creatures. When she’s not in front of her computer she can occasionally be found running with her dog, training for the Little Miami Triathlon and the Flying Pig (half) Marathon.
You can find more about Elizabeth and her books at her website, elizabethbemis.com or you can like her on Facebook, follow her on twitter, or sign up for her newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 9, 2016
TRUTH & LIES is a riveting sexy romantic thriller!
Dana and Deck are intriguing characters, handsome and beautiful, fearless and strong. Dana is an undercover FBI agent comfortable with lying and deception working a murder case. Deck is a Cincinnati cop on desk duty after being injured in Afghanistan when he is assigned a case involving human trafficking, signing up for a mail-order bride and Dana is his choice. Deck values honestly and shares with Dana that he is cop working on a case; however, Dana doesn't share with Deck. If she is lying now what else will she keep from him.
The danger is very intense I felt like I was inside the plot. Their passion is extreme and they both go thru a lot before the case is solved.
TRUTH & LIES, a must read, is another example why, Elizabeth Bemis, is an awarding winning Author.
Dana and Deck are intriguing characters, handsome and beautiful, fearless and strong. Dana is an undercover FBI agent comfortable with lying and deception working a murder case. Deck is a Cincinnati cop on desk duty after being injured in Afghanistan when he is assigned a case involving human trafficking, signing up for a mail-order bride and Dana is his choice. Deck values honestly and shares with Dana that he is cop working on a case; however, Dana doesn't share with Deck. If she is lying now what else will she keep from him.
The danger is very intense I felt like I was inside the plot. Their passion is extreme and they both go thru a lot before the case is solved.
TRUTH & LIES, a must read, is another example why, Elizabeth Bemis, is an awarding winning Author.
July 17, 2016
When I agreed to read and review an ARC of the first book of the QUEEN CITY JUSTICE series, TRUTH & LIES, by Elizabeth Bemis, I was excited because I LOVE her Sudden Falls series. But this book did a total turn around, take a left and hold on because TRUTH & LIES is not what I thought. It is SO MUCH BETTER. When you are introduced to FBI Special Agent Dana Yenichek at a horrific crime scene, you quickly appreciate that she is a strong woman who will get the job done. You can’t help but fall in love with Deck, Detective Declan Murphy, not only because he’s fine-looking but because he’s a man that cares about the job he does.
TRUTH & LIES, had me from the start. I did not want to stop reading for anything! Normally, I can bookmark and get my other obligations done and return. But with this book, I just HAD TO KEEP READING! I rarely share my books with my Hubs, but this one I will because I know that he will enjoy it just as much as I did.
Because I don’t want to spoil this book for anyone, the only thing I will say is that you will be VERY SATISFIED with the story, characters and the ending. One of my TOP READS of 2016.
TRUTH & LIES, had me from the start. I did not want to stop reading for anything! Normally, I can bookmark and get my other obligations done and return. But with this book, I just HAD TO KEEP READING! I rarely share my books with my Hubs, but this one I will because I know that he will enjoy it just as much as I did.
Because I don’t want to spoil this book for anyone, the only thing I will say is that you will be VERY SATISFIED with the story, characters and the ending. One of my TOP READS of 2016.
July 24, 2016
Truth and Lies, written by Elizabeth Bemis, is a captivating romantic thriller. This book is another addition to A Queen City Justice Novel series. If you haven't read any books by this author, you are definitely missing out...and people already familiar with this author will not be disappointed! Elizabeth Bemis is one of my favorite authors, and she knocked it out of the park once again with Truth and Lies!!
FBI Special Agent Dana Yenichek is amazing at her job, and is completely dedicated to solving each and every case. Her current case is tracking down a serial killer that uses an international mail-order bride service to find his victims. She decides to go undercover as a mail-order bride, and with her Croatian background, she is the perfect candidate. Once in the program, that leads her to Cincinnati, and Deck Murphy.
Deck Murphy is a Cincinnati detective, and a reservist in the Marines. He was recently injured while he was deployed in Afghanistan, and is trying to get his life back in order. He is currently on desk duty, and wants to get back to doing the job he loves. While working on a case of a human trafficking victim that escaped, he finds ties to an international mail-order bride service. In order to investigate this further, he decides to sign up for the service, and that's when he meets Dana. He can't lie to her, and tells her that he is working on a case, but Dana doesn't tell him that she is an undercover FBI agent.
The story that unfolds is brilliantly told and extremely well-executed. To say that this story is captivating is an understatement...I was completely engaged from the first to the very last page! This story has everything in it...intrigue, suspense, and romance. The danger is real, the characters are amazingly complex and realistic, and the overall story is one that completely draws you in. I can't stress enough just how awesome this book truly is!! I strongly recommend this book, and guarantee you will not be disappointed!
I was given an advance digital copy of this book from Elizabeth Bemis in exchange for an honest review.
FBI Special Agent Dana Yenichek is amazing at her job, and is completely dedicated to solving each and every case. Her current case is tracking down a serial killer that uses an international mail-order bride service to find his victims. She decides to go undercover as a mail-order bride, and with her Croatian background, she is the perfect candidate. Once in the program, that leads her to Cincinnati, and Deck Murphy.
Deck Murphy is a Cincinnati detective, and a reservist in the Marines. He was recently injured while he was deployed in Afghanistan, and is trying to get his life back in order. He is currently on desk duty, and wants to get back to doing the job he loves. While working on a case of a human trafficking victim that escaped, he finds ties to an international mail-order bride service. In order to investigate this further, he decides to sign up for the service, and that's when he meets Dana. He can't lie to her, and tells her that he is working on a case, but Dana doesn't tell him that she is an undercover FBI agent.
The story that unfolds is brilliantly told and extremely well-executed. To say that this story is captivating is an understatement...I was completely engaged from the first to the very last page! This story has everything in it...intrigue, suspense, and romance. The danger is real, the characters are amazingly complex and realistic, and the overall story is one that completely draws you in. I can't stress enough just how awesome this book truly is!! I strongly recommend this book, and guarantee you will not be disappointed!
I was given an advance digital copy of this book from Elizabeth Bemis in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2016
There is only one thing I find more exciting than discovering a “new to me” author - the thrill when you read that “first for you” book and love it! Elizabeth Bemis is an author that did not ping my radar until I had the opportunity to read and review her first book in her new romantic suspense series (Queen City Justice,), “Truth & Lies.” And what an excellent start to a series it is!
Special Agent Dana Yenichek is a recent addition to the FBI’s Cincinnati (the Queen City) field office, a brilliant linguist with the ability to be a chameleon when the job requires. She and her team are trying to hunt down a serial killer that seems to be tied to an international mail-order bride website. On a separate track, Cincinnati Police Det. Deck Murphy is adjusting to life back “on the job” after a tour of duty as a Marine reservist in Afghanistan leaves him injured and on crutches. When a young Chinese woman is brought into the police station for stowing away in the bed of a truck, Deck finds himself investigating a human trafficking ring. These two separate investigations converge in a unique and interesting way that causes Dana and Deck to meet in an unconventional way…...no spoilers, but that scenario had me hanging on every word on every page!
I love the romantic suspense genre and am thrilled to have discovered a new series. Dana and Deck are my favorite kind of characters - strong, honorable individuals doing a tough job for the benefit and safety of others. On the romantic front, it was interesting to see these two “lone wolves” overcome some hefty obstacles to reach their HEA; for a guy who values honesty above all else, Deck had to forgive Dana some serious “dishonesty,” even if it was for a good cause. The suspense element was present throughout, and although towards the end I suspected who the killer was, it did not diminish one bit my enjoyment of this book. It was a well-written, thrilling read and I look forward to the next book in the series!!!
I was given an advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Special Agent Dana Yenichek is a recent addition to the FBI’s Cincinnati (the Queen City) field office, a brilliant linguist with the ability to be a chameleon when the job requires. She and her team are trying to hunt down a serial killer that seems to be tied to an international mail-order bride website. On a separate track, Cincinnati Police Det. Deck Murphy is adjusting to life back “on the job” after a tour of duty as a Marine reservist in Afghanistan leaves him injured and on crutches. When a young Chinese woman is brought into the police station for stowing away in the bed of a truck, Deck finds himself investigating a human trafficking ring. These two separate investigations converge in a unique and interesting way that causes Dana and Deck to meet in an unconventional way…...no spoilers, but that scenario had me hanging on every word on every page!
I love the romantic suspense genre and am thrilled to have discovered a new series. Dana and Deck are my favorite kind of characters - strong, honorable individuals doing a tough job for the benefit and safety of others. On the romantic front, it was interesting to see these two “lone wolves” overcome some hefty obstacles to reach their HEA; for a guy who values honesty above all else, Deck had to forgive Dana some serious “dishonesty,” even if it was for a good cause. The suspense element was present throughout, and although towards the end I suspected who the killer was, it did not diminish one bit my enjoyment of this book. It was a well-written, thrilling read and I look forward to the next book in the series!!!
I was given an advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2016
The author does a fantastic job of laying out the story and keeping your interest. This is a suspenseful romance novel with the emphasis on the suspense portion. She does an excellent job with the details describing the scenes without being gory or morbid. The story also has a psychological twist that makes you think and reread pages.
Two law enforcement officers working on the same case from different angles collide and end up working together to solve the crime. Dana Yenichek is a local police officer while Deck Murphy is a FBI agent. She goes undercover thinking she is targeting the criminal when in fact it is another investigator. Once she convinces her boss to let Deck in on the case, she starts having a difficult time keeping her personal and professional life separate. Deck is recovering from an injury and the case gets him off desk duty to doing something challenging and more within the boundaries of his skills.
Things turn bad for Dana when she is taken by the killer. Deck realizes that his interest in Dana is more than professional when he feels the guilt about not being able to protect her. Both of them know that staying alive is most important right now, but real living is what they want when the case is closed. Together.
I received an ARC of this book from the author for an honest and unbiased review.
Two law enforcement officers working on the same case from different angles collide and end up working together to solve the crime. Dana Yenichek is a local police officer while Deck Murphy is a FBI agent. She goes undercover thinking she is targeting the criminal when in fact it is another investigator. Once she convinces her boss to let Deck in on the case, she starts having a difficult time keeping her personal and professional life separate. Deck is recovering from an injury and the case gets him off desk duty to doing something challenging and more within the boundaries of his skills.
Things turn bad for Dana when she is taken by the killer. Deck realizes that his interest in Dana is more than professional when he feels the guilt about not being able to protect her. Both of them know that staying alive is most important right now, but real living is what they want when the case is closed. Together.
I received an ARC of this book from the author for an honest and unbiased review.
July 25, 2016
Truth & Lies is such an appropriate title for this story of Dana and Deck. Dana is an undercover FBI agent and Deck works as a police officer. Neither one of them realizes their cases are intertwined together. The story is full of truth, lies, mysteries, and romance all centered around an online mail order bride company and several unexplained murders.
Deck does not liked to be lied to but unfortunately Dana cannot reveal who she really is and who she works for. Deck believes she is his Croatian mail order bride while Dana believes he might have something to do with her case.
If this story was made into a movie I picture Dana being played by the actress from Quantico. The story is fast paced and intriguing, suspenseful, and romantic. I cannot wait to read Ellizabeth Bemis' next book!
I received an ARC copy for my honest review.
Deck does not liked to be lied to but unfortunately Dana cannot reveal who she really is and who she works for. Deck believes she is his Croatian mail order bride while Dana believes he might have something to do with her case.
If this story was made into a movie I picture Dana being played by the actress from Quantico. The story is fast paced and intriguing, suspenseful, and romantic. I cannot wait to read Ellizabeth Bemis' next book!
I received an ARC copy for my honest review.
July 26, 2016
I received this as an ARC. What a great book. I loved it. It was a well plotted story with very likable protagonists. There were lots of twists and turns and at the end it was very suspenseful. Dana is Croatian America and an FBI agent. Deck is a cop who wounded his leg as a Marine in Afghanistan. They both get involved in a mail order bride scheme but at first, neither knows the other is investigating the crime and she pretends to be a foreign born mail order bride. They are drawn to each other, but things go awry when he finds out that she is not who she told him she was. They go through a lot and at the end, the crime is solved and the criminal foiled. I really enjoyed this book and hope for more in this series
July 22, 2016
Dana and Deck are on a collision course working on two seemingly different cases. Dana is FBI and Deck is Cincinnati Police Detective. Dana has three bodies that have been found posed with some kind of religious medal or rosary in their hands. Deck has a young Chinese girl who might be escaping a human trafficking ring.
Elizabeth Bemis has created a new series that I could not put down. I found myself rooting for all the people and wondering every time I had to put the book down what was going to happen next. There is lots of action and many twists and turns. It keeps you guessing right until the last page. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
Elizabeth Bemis has created a new series that I could not put down. I found myself rooting for all the people and wondering every time I had to put the book down what was going to happen next. There is lots of action and many twists and turns. It keeps you guessing right until the last page. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
July 23, 2016
This book was so not what I expected. I think riveting is a good word to use. Deck and Dana had serious chemistry. Their search for the serial killer will leave you holding your breath. This story was truly intense. I am not going to go into the details because I'm afraid I will give too much away.
I don't know if this book falls under romantic suspense or romantic thriller, but, If you like thrillers or suspense, this is one book you will enjoy. It was well written, fast paced, slightly unnerving, yet still managed to be romantic and sexy.
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I don't know if this book falls under romantic suspense or romantic thriller, but, If you like thrillers or suspense, this is one book you will enjoy. It was well written, fast paced, slightly unnerving, yet still managed to be romantic and sexy.
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2016
Truth & Lies by Elizabeth Bemis....Fantastic read!! I absolutely loved this book, such a page turning, gripping story. The book hooked me on page one and I could not put it down. Dana and Deck were so well written and believable that Truth & Lies is a perfect title. The more I read by Elizabeth Bemis, I am hooked, she brings the readers into the story and you are feeling the emotions. If you are looking for a great entertaining book, don't miss this one. I was given a complimentary book in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2016
Received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
A non-stop suspenseful story that has Dana (FBI) and Deck (Police) working together to find and put an end to the sicko's killings. Are these killings related to human trafficking in the area.
Can Dana and Derek work together before anyone else is murdered?
Could not put it down once I started reading it because I had to see what was going to happen next and who was the sicko! A grabber from beginning to end!
A non-stop suspenseful story that has Dana (FBI) and Deck (Police) working together to find and put an end to the sicko's killings. Are these killings related to human trafficking in the area.
Can Dana and Derek work together before anyone else is murdered?
Could not put it down once I started reading it because I had to see what was going to happen next and who was the sicko! A grabber from beginning to end!
September 17, 2016
Dana and Deck are both investigating the same crime when they are brought together in their search for the killer. Unaware of the other's role in the investigation they are drawn together as they both look for answers and a way to solve the murders that keep happening as well as overcoming some dark issues in their own pasts. I received an advance e-copy of this book for an honest unbiased review.
July 24, 2016
I enjoyed this book. The mystery was interesting, and not very predictable. The development of the relationship between Deck and Dana is well developed and easy to read. This is a great book if you are looking for a light read. I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2016
Wow, what a story. I was hooked from page one and didn't put it down until I was finished. Love and intrigue keep you on your toes. Who is the bad guy? I really enjoyed reading this book and I can't wait to read more from Elizabeth. I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2016
I was touched by the story, a topic that really makes you upset at what goes on in life you have no control over. I believe the story had well developed characters, was easy to follow along on with the plot. Who can go wrong with FBI agents and cops.
September 19, 2016
Thoughtful and mind provoking
I never know how to write book reviews without spoilers. I empathized with the characters, and I found myself tearing up at times. Bemis knows how to get you enough backstory for character motivation, and having the story set up for future novels.
I never know how to write book reviews without spoilers. I empathized with the characters, and I found myself tearing up at times. Bemis knows how to get you enough backstory for character motivation, and having the story set up for future novels.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews